Reminders in Late Pregnancy
You may have noticed that it has been quite a while since you have seen your toes. Yes, those sleepless nights, frequent potty stops and "I just can't find a comfortable position" complaints are normal. To help make your last weeks as pleasant as possible, here are a few suggestions:
- Realize and admit your limits. If you are tired, lay down. Listen to your body, it offers good advice.
- Drink plenty of water. Avoid too much caffeinated or diet sodas, processed foods, pizza, Chinese food, etc. They contain salt, which may result in water retention and swelling.
- Wear comfortable clothes. Flat shoes will lessen the strain on your lower back. Many women find support garments helpful also. Pillows, pillows, and more pillows!
How Do I Know if I am Really in Labor?
After 36 week of pregnancy we do not try to stop a woman from having her baby early. That means that you only need to call us when you are ready to go to the hospital, because:
- You are having contractions every 5 minutes for an hour.
- You think your water might have broken.
- You are bleeding heavily, like a period.
A small amount of bleeding is normal in the last few weeks. Passing some mucous or the mucous plug is also normal. We do not need to know this. - The baby is not moving. The baby may not be as active, but he or she should move throughout the day.
Call the doctor immediately if you experience any of the signs for pre-eclampsia:
- A strong headache that won't go away, especially if you see "spots in front of your eyes".
- Vomiting, upper abdominal pain, flu-like symptoms without a fever.
- Swelling of the face. Swelling ankles is usually harmless. Please call us if the swelling extends up the leg.
If something unusual is happening, please do not hesitate to call us.
If you have a history of rapid labors, talk to us in the office about when to call.
The Pediatrician: If you do not have one yet, it is time to choose one. We have a list at the front desk. If you do not have one by the time the baby is born, then the Fair Oaks Hospital pediatrician will examine your baby. Your baby will be discharged to go home either by the hospital pediatrician or your own.
Having a baby is a sacred time. If you are a member of a faith, you may want to ask your Priest, Minister, Rabbi, Mullah, etc., to visit you in the hospital. Nobody will come automatically. Fair Oaks Hospital is in St. Veronica’s parish. If you would like one of the priests from St. Veronica's Parish to bring you the Sacraments, please call their office: (703) 773-2000.